Glutathione: The Truth Behind The Hype

Forget diamonds, the new best friend a girl or anyone can have might just be an antioxidant!??

Hailed as the ‘master antioxidant’, it's gone from a scientific term to a must-have in skincare routines and supplement cabinets.

Glowing skin? Check.

Wrinkle reduction? Check.

Overall health boost? You bet!

Celebrities swear by it, influencers post about it, and your feed is brimming with ads. But is this wonder molecule all it's cracked up to be? Let's delve deeper-

What is Glutathione?

In case you’ve never googled this word, Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant known for its skin-brightening and healing properties. It is a tripeptide composed of three amino acids- cysteine, glutamic acid, and glycine, and is a crucial antioxidant found in every cell of the human body. It can be taken orally as well as applied topically and is often referred to as the wonder drug for hyperpigmentation.?

Glutathione acts as a detoxifier that combats free radicals or oxidative stress caused by sunlight, pollution, stress, smoking, and alcohol intake. The free radicals are known to damage the overall skin structure and can result in premature ageing, inflammation, hyperpigmentation, and impede the skin barrier function.

What is the hype all about?

Decreased Glutathione levels are associated with the common features of ageing as well as a wide range of pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative disorders. Science does back up glutathione's antioxidant properties, which means it might indeed play a role in protecting your cells from damage. Here’s what it does-

• Helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage DNA and contribute to several chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
• Plays a key role in detoxification, helping the body eliminate toxins and pollutants. It does this by binding to toxins and helping them to be excreted in the urine or bile.
• Help to improve skin health by reducing inflammation and promoting collagen production. Collagen is a protein that gives skin its structure and elasticity.
• Glutathione can help to improve athletic performance by reducing muscle fatigue and oxidative stress.
• It can help to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells.
• Some studies have suggested that glutathione may help to improve cognitive function, such as memory and learning.
• Glutathione may help to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by protecting dopamine-producing neurons from damage.

So, is glutathione the new best friend your body needs? It may not be a magic pill, but its role as a cellular shield and detoxification makes it a fascinating molecule worth exploring. While research is still young, the potential benefits for skin health, immune function, and overall well-being are intriguing. However, incorporating strategies to boost your body's natural glutathione production through diet, exercise, and stress management could be a worthwhile addition to your overall health regimen.